national profile for chemicals...
TRANSCRIPT
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Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Pyongyang, December 2009
National Profile for Chemicals Management
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
PPrreeffaaccee
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) has set chemical management as the priority area for the protection of human health and environment and directs every efforts for the sound management of chemicals, chemical products and wastes in accordance with the practical demands of increasing production and use of chemicals.
The Dubai Declaration, OPS and Global Plan of Action for the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) fixed the sound management of chemicals at all stages in their life cycle as a priority in the preparation of national, local and international policy and emphasized strengthening international cooperation in order to reduce the gap between developed countries and developing countries.
The National Profile of DPR Korea describes the overall status of chemical management of the country, production, use, transportation, emission of chemicals and the sound management of wastes.
The National Profile is the first comprehensive report concerned with the sound management of chemicals in DPR Korea and will assist the effort to enhance the existing national institutional mechanisms and legal mechanisms.
The National Coordinating Committee for Environment played the role of coordinator between the relevant agencies concerned with sound management of chemicals, such as UNITAR and the Ministry of Land and Environment Protection. The Ministry of Land and Environment Protection, the central organization of the government in charge of the chemicals management of the country, prepared the National Profile in the close relationship with the relevant ministries and agencies.
UNITAR sent a delegation in June, 2009 according to the SAICM project of “Enabling Activities for the National Chemicals Management in DPR Korea”, organized the workshop in Pyongyang and provided technical and financial assistance during the preparation of the National Profile.
We’d like to express our deep gratitude to UNITAR for their assistance to improve the sound management system of chemicals and hope for the continuous cooperation in this field with UNITAR.
We expect that the National Profile will be a valuable resource for the sound management of chemicals of the whole country and the basis for the implementation of SAICM.
The National Profile Preparation Committee
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Contents
PPrreeffaaccee ............................................................................................................... 2
Contents ............................................................................................................. 3
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 5
EExxeeccuuttiivvee SSuummmmaarryy ...................................................................................... 11
Chapter 1 National Background Information ........................................... 18 1.1 Physical and Demographic Context ............................................................................... 18 1.2 Political/Geographic Structure of the Country ............................................................... 21 1.3 Industrial, Agricultural, and Other Key Economic Sectors ............................................ 22
Chapter 2. Chemical Production, Import and Export ............................. 25 2.1 Chemical production, import and export ........................................................................ 25 2.2 Unintentionally Generated Chemicals ............................................................................ 28 2.3 Comments/Analysis ........................................................................................................ 28
Chapter 3. Priority Concerns Related to Chemicals at All Stages in Their Life Cycle ........................................................................................... 30 3.1 Priority Concerns Related to Chemicals......................................................................... 30 3.2 Comments/Analysis ........................................................................................................ 33
Chapter 4. Legal Instruments and Non-regulatory Mechanisms for Managing Chemicals .................................................................................. 34 4.1 Overview of National Legal Instruments Which Address the Management of
Chemicals ..................................................................................................................... 34 4.2 Summary Description of key Legal Instruments on Chemicals ..................................... 36 4.3 Existing Legislation by Use Category Addressing Various Stages of Chemicals from
production/import through Disposal ............................................................................. 38 4.4 Comments/Analysis ........................................................................................................ 38
Chapter 5. Ministries, Agencies, and Other Institutions Managing Chemicals and Waste ................................................................................ 39 5.1 Responsibilities of Different Ministries, Agencies and other Institutions ..................... 39 5.2 Description of Ministerial Authorities and Mandates .................................................... 41 5.3 Comments and Analysis ................................................................................................. 43
Chapter 6. Relevant Activities of Industry, Public Interest Group, and the Research Sector .......................................................................... 44 6.1 Description of Organizations .......................................................................................... 44 6.2 Summary of Expertise available from Scientific and Educational Institutions .............. 44 6.3 Comments/Analysis ........................................................................................................ 47
Chapter 7. Coordinating Mechanisms ....................................................... 48 7.1 Coordinating Mechanism ............................................................................................... 48 7.2 Comments/Analysis ........................................................................................................ 48
Chapter 8. Data Access and Use ............................................................... 49 8.1 Availability of Data for National Chemicals and Wastes Management......................... 49 8.2 Location and Access of National Data, Types of Data .................................................. 50
Chapter 9. Technical Infrastructure ........................................................ 52 9.1 Overview of Laboratory Infrastructure .......................................................................... 52 9.2 Comments/Analysis ........................................................................................................ 54
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 10. Chemical Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Follow-up ...................................................................................................... 56 10.1 Chemical Emergency Planning ..................................................................................... 56 10.2 Chemical Incident Response ......................................................................................... 57 10.3 Chemical Incident Follow-up and Evaluation .............................................................. 57 10.4 Comments/Analysis ...................................................................................................... 57
Chapter 11. Awareness/Understanding of Workers and the Public ... 59 11.1 Awareness and Understanding of Chemical Safety Issues ........................................... 59 11.2 Education and Training for Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste .................. 60 11.3 Comments/Analysis ...................................................................................................... 61
Chapter 12. International Linkages ........................................................... 62
Chapter 13. Resources Available and Needed for Chemicals Management ................................................................................................ 64 13.1 Resources Available in Government Ministries/Institutions ........................................ 64 13.2 Resources Needed by Government Institutions to Fulfil Responsibilities related to
Chemicals Management ................................................................................................ 65 13.3 Comments/Diagnosis .................................................................................................... 67
Chapter 14. Conclusions and Recommendations ................................... 68
Annex I. Available National Reports and Papers Addressing Various Aspects of Chemicals Management ....................................... 70
Annex II. List of Editors and Authors ........................................................ 72
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Introduction Chemical industry and chemicals is an important constituent of the human life and
economy. They diversify the lives of humans and provides one of the major guarantees for
civilized and rich materialistic and cultural living conditions.
Considering the role and importance of chemicals industry in the human lives and
economic development the government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea put
the main emphasis on the chemical industry. The production and use range of the chemicals is
boundless and nearly all the branches get the benefit of the chemicals industry and chemicals.
Chemical industry is the major driving force in building the self-reliant national
economy in DPR Korea while its role in all branches of national economy such as machine
manufacturing industry, light industry, agricultural industry, etc, is being enhanced day after
day. The government has been concentrating its investment in the chemical industry long
before and with the chemicals and chemical industry realizing its policies for meeting the
growing requirements of the national economy and people.
When considering that the chemicals have a negative effect upon human health and
environment, the chemicals management is one of the important issues nation-wide.
As the negative impacts of chemicals upon humans and the environment in the course of
production, use and transportation are more and more inevitable with the growing demands of
the chemicals and their products the government of the DPR Korea has recently given one of
the priorities in the field of the protection of the human health and the environment to the
sound management of the chemicals.
The government is taking measures in the national level for the sound management of the
chemicals and developing the cooperation with international agencies and other countries
including UNEP, considering that chemical pollution is one of global problems as it moves
across boundaries.
UNCED, opened in Rio De Janeiro in 1992, adopted the comprehensive document
“Agenda 21”, which described on all countries’ responsibilities for sustainable development.
Chapter 19 of “Agenda 21” addressed issues on environmental sound management of
chemicals. Basic contents in all sectors of activities and priorities are as follows.
Extension and promotion of international assessment on chemicals risk
Harmonization of chemicals classification and labeling
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Information exchange on chemicals and risks
Risk reduction planning
Strengthening competencies and capacities of countries for chemicals management
Prevention of illegal transboundary transport of toxic and hazardous products
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea acceded to the Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on August 19, 2002. DPR Korea had prepared “National
Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (NIP)”
in 2008 to implement conventional duty. The NIP is the base for comprehensive chemicals
management to implement the “Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management”
(SAICM), by strengthening the national chemicals management system.
DPR Korea also acceded to the “Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent
(PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade”
(February 6, 2004), the “Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movements of the
Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal” (July 10, 2008), etc. and has been fulfilling its
responsibilities.
Internationally, preparation of the “National Profile for Chemicals Management” was
proceeded according to the “Strengthening National Competency and Capacity for Chemicals
Management”, Chapter 19 of Agenda 21, and domestically, to the implementation plan for the
SAICM (2009-2011), proceeding under the co-operation with UNITAR. In Pyongyang, the
inception workshop of SAICM was held under the participation of ministries, agencies,
scientific research institutes concerned with managing chemicals and delegation of UNITAR
on June 2009 and agreed on preparation of the National Profile until the end of 2009.
Purpose of the profile:
a) To provide practical data on ongoing programs and activities in the country
concerned with managing chemicals;
b) To promote the exchange of information and experiences between agencies
concerned with managing chemicals;
c) To further consolidate decision-making capacity of the state;
d) To promote the exchange of information between key sectors of the industry and
agriculture, etc.
Social benefit of preparing the profile
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a) To provide people with knowledge and understanding on potential issues concerned
with chemicals;
b) To improve the environment protection based on above knowledge and
understanding;
c) To strengthen mutual cooperation between relevant agencies and social group for
managing chemicals;
d) To strengthen relations and cooperation between countries.
Economical benefit:
a) To promote trade in chemicals, and agricultural and industrial products, which rely
on chemicals;
b) To help ensure that chemicals produced, imported and exported are supporting
economic, health and environmental goals;
c) To improve awareness on the potential effects of pesticides in agricultural exports;
d) To protect workers’ health, those that handle chemicals, and indirectly improve
their productivity.
UNITAR organized the workshop and provided necessary data for the implementation of
the project and the preparation of National Profile in June, 2009 in Pyongyang in order to
promote the implementation of SAICM in DPR Korea.
In the stakeholders meeting, under the coordination of NCCE in the end of June, 2009,
the preparation committee was organized to prepare the draft National Profile. In the
committee, teams were organized for each sector to collect data on chemicals management
and prepare the draft.
The data format for each sector were made and passed on to all relevant agencies to
collect data, and the data was analyzed by the members of the committee to prepare the draft
profile.
The committee had completed and approved the National Profile in 2009 based on
analysis of all assessments and opinions.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
FFllooww CChhaarrtt ooff tthhee PPrreeppaarraattiioonn ooff NNaattiioonnaall PPrrooffiillee
Organization of the National Profile Preparation Committee (June, 2009)
Organization of teams (July, 2009)
Team members Preparation of data format for each sector, Distribution to relevant agencies
Data collection & preparation
for each Chapter, Section
Preparation of the draft national profile (Preparation Committee)
1st Review Meeting on the draft national profile (Preparation Committee)
Pass the Draft on to Relevant Agencies
2nd Review Meeting on the draft national profile (Preparation Committee)
Synthesis of assessment, opinion, review on the last draft
Completion and acceptance of the draft (December, 2009)
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PPaarrttiicciippaattiioonn ooff MMiinniissttrriieess aanndd OOrrggaanniizzaattiioonnss The National Profile was prepared under the cooperation with UNITAR. NCCE worked
as the coordinating agency for the preparation of the National Profile and Ministry of Land
and Environment Protection (MLEP) prepared the profile under the close relationship with
the other ministries.
In the 1st consultation meeting, opened in July 2, 2009, the plan for preparing the draft
was consulted and teams for each sector were organized.
Agencies of the National Profile Preparation Committee
National Coordination Committee for the Environment (NCCE)
State Planning Committee (SPC)
Ministry of Land and Environment Protection (MLEP)
Ministry of Chemical Industry (MCI)
Ministry of Agriculture (MA)
Ministry of Public Health (MPH)
Ministry of Metal Industry (MMtI)
Ministry of Machine Industry (MMI)
Ministry of Coal Industry (MoCI)
Ministry of Electric Power Industry (MEPI)
Ministry of Exploitation Industry (MEI)
Ministry of Electronic Industry (MECI)
Ministry of City Management (MCM)
Ministry of Construction and Building Materials Industry (MCBMI)
Ministry of Railways (MR)
Ministry of Land and Marine Transport (MLMT)
Ministry of Finance (MF)
Ministry of Foreign Trade (MFT)
Ministry of Education (ME)
Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS)
National Bureau for Quality Supervision (NBQS)
General Administration of Customs (GAC)
Academy of Science (AS)
Academy of Agricultural Science (AAS)
Teams
Environment Pollution Sector – MLEP, EDC, AS, AAS, MCM
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Industrial Sector – SPC, MCI, MMtI, MPH, MMI, MEPI, MEI, MoCI, MECI, MLMT, MR, MCBMI, CBS
Agricultural Sector – SPC, MA, AAS, CBS
Export and Import Sector – MFT, MCI, MPH, GAC, NBQS
Legal Sector – MLEP, MCI, MFT, ME
Training and Education Sector – ME
Members of teams were gathered once a week to review the result of allocated data
collection and input, and present to the preparation committee. The preparation committee
recorded collected data in the draft national profile.
At the intermediate review meeting, opened on June 30, the accumulated data and
occurred issues were discussed, while taking measures on it.
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EExxeeccuuttiivvee SSuummmmaarryy
National Background Information
DPR Korea is located in the center of the east in the Asian Continent and has a mild
climate with 4 pronounced seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter. Its climate is
influenced by the continental mass of Asia and by the surrounding seas, and it is typically
humid in summer, cold and dry in winter.
The main topographical characteristic is that it has many mountains, rivers, streams,
valleys and slope lands.
DPR Korea is the powerful socialist state with the economy based on socialist ownership
of production means, which is the basis of national economy.
The chemical industry of DPR Korea has a history of around 60 years. The major products
are fertilizers, pesticides, synthetic resin, paints dyes, plasticizers, acids, alkaline and
synthetic pharmaceuticals, as well as DDT, BHC and PCBs, listed in the Stockholm
Convention. With the establishment of new chemical industry bases, chemical industry can
meet various needs for chemical fertilizer, fiber, and synthetic resin and can achieve further
all-round development.
DPR Korea consists of 9 provinces and 210 cities and counties. The capital city is
Pyongyang.
GDP was US$ 16 360 million in 2007. 46.4% was occupied by industry sector, 14.6% by
agriculture, 6.2% by construction and 32.8% by others. The major industrial sectors are
electricity power industry, coal industry, metal industry, railway transport, mining industry,
building-materials industry, chemical industry and light industry, mainly relying on domestic
natural resources.
According to statistic data, the production of the major sectors was reduced in 1990s due
to the natural disaster, but in 2000s the production is again increasing rapidly.
Chemical Production, Import and Export
Chemical industry has a history of around 60 years. The major products are fertilizers,
pesticides, synthetic resin, paints dyes, plasticizers, acids, alkaline and synthetic
pharmaceuticals. In 2004, it has produced 238.1 t of DDT, 1 275 t of hexachloran, 846 t of
PCP and 443.5 t of PCB. The production of POPs pesticides tends to decrease in recent 5
years.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Data on production, import and export of chemicals of the country are collected under the
control of SPC and CBS, but the system to submit data on import, export, transport, storage
and disposal of all chemicals in the country to MLEP has not been established, except the
import of wastes. The data accumulating system is not available yet. The coordinating
committee on chemicals management should be created and the system to manage
chemicals-related data should be established.
Priority Concerns Related to Chemicals at All Stages in Their Life Cycle
The problem areas are air pollution, pollution of rivers, marine pollution, underground
water pollution, soil pollution, hazardous waste treatment/disposal, occupational health,
chemical accident, and chemical remnants in foods. The main chemicals and pollutants are
TSP, PM10, CO, NO2, SO2, O3, dioxin and furan, heavy metals, organic chlorine, phosphorus,
pesticide, arsenic compounds, fertilizers. Among these, the most severe problems are air
pollution, chemical pollution in products and radioactive chemicals. The second severe
problems are hazardous wastes or chemical wastes treatment/disposal, chemical remnants in
foods, chemical accident and chemicals storage.
Data for setting priorities concerned with chemical management is currently insufficient.
Legal Instruments and Non-regulatory Mechanisms for Managing Chemicals
The Socialist Constitution, fundamental law of the state, has detailed the contents to
protect the environment prior to production and has consolidated the sectoral legal
foundations to provide people with cultural and hygienic environment and working conditions
and has paid primary efforts to protect and manage the environment of the country.
The “Law on Environment Protection of DPR Korea” is a fundamental law, which
stipulates the key principles of environmental protection, preservation and management of
environment, prevention of environmental pollution and guidance and control of
environment protection in a comprehensive way.
The “Law on Environment Protection” has been adopted as the law of the Supreme
People’s Assembly in April 9, 1992 and revised and supplemented in 1999, 2000, and 2005 to
meet the new actual needs.
Though, DPR Korea attaches importance to national environmental protection and takes
detailed measures by adopting laws for relevant sectors but does not have detailed laws and
regulations concerned with chemicals management.
Ministries, Agencies, and other Institutions Managing Chemicals and Waste
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The National Coordination Committee for Environment (NCCE) coordinates all the
activities of relevant ministries and agencies in collecting information on the overall
chemicals management and taking measures in DPR Korea. NCCE is composed of Ministers,
Deputy Ministers, and reports directly to the Cabinet.
The State Planning Commission makes a plan of production, import, export and supply of
chemicals and takes relevant administrative measures.
The Ministry of Land and Environment protection is responsible for overall environment
protection and provides an organic linkage between scientific research and technical and
administrative activities. It also assesses, monitors and controls environment pollution by
chemicals and wastes including POPs.
The Ministry of Chemical Industry is responsible for production of chemicals in DPR
Korea. It also takes the responsibilities for the environmentally sound management of
chemicals, used in the factories and enterprises under the ministry, and for overall chemicals
management. In addition, it conducts research on producing alternatives.
The Ministry of Public Health and the Academy of Medical Science take measures for
control of DDT use and application of alternatives. They conduct hygienic monitoring and
control of POPs and areas, and study adverse effects on human health by POPs and the
method of its improvement.
The Ministry of Agriculture coordinates the use, export and import of pesticides,
including DDT and hexachlorbenzene.
The Ministry of Machine Industry produces and repairs PCBs containing equipment
(transformers, circuit breakers, heat exchanger, and hydraulic equipment).
The Ministry of Electric Power Industry produces and repairs PCBs containing
capacitors.
The Ministry of Metal Industry, the Ministry of Construction and Building Materials
Industry and other relevant government agencies take the technical renovation to reduce the
POPs release unintentionally caused in the production processes.
The Ministry of City Management controls the disposal of municipal wastes and takes
measures to reduce the possible unintentional POPs release below allowable level
The Ministry of Finance plans and provides the financial resources needed for chemical
management.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
The Ministry of People’s Security monitors and controls the execution of laws and
regulations on environment and the overall chemicals management.
The Ministry of Land and Marine Transport and the Ministry of Railways ensure the
environmentally sound transportation of chemicals.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade takes practical measures to limit or prohibit the trade of
pollutants including POPs.
The Central Bureau for Statistics investigates and collects data on production, import,
export, use and waste of chemicals.
The National Quality Supervision Bureau registers, works out the standards of, assesses
and inspects the quality of chemicals.
The General Customs Bureau controls the import and export of toxic chemicals.
The Academy of Agricultural Science registers and approves the pesticides and monitors
their safe use and management in the agriculture.
The ministries and agencies have responsibilities concerned with managing chemicals,
but lack the unified coordination and information exchange system for all these
responsibilities.
Relevant Activities of Industry, Public Interest Group, and the Research Sector
There are research institutions, such as EDC, Hygienic Research Institute and Academy
of Agricultural Science, universities, such as Kim Il Sung University and University of
Construction and Building Materials, ministries and factory laboratories and professional
organizations, such as Grand People’s Study House, monitoring and supervising stations in
provinces and cities available for data collection, testing of chemicals, risk assessment, risk
reduction, policy analysis, training and education, research on alternatives, monitoring and
information to workers and public.
The government agencies responsible for chemicals management conduct data exchange
and cooperation through national workshops, and the associations, such as Air Association,
Soil Association and Water Association, meet once a week and make plans and discuss the
development of data reports and environmental protection.
Coordinating Mechanisms
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There are some coordinating mechanisms established for chemicals management
including National Profile Preparation Committee, Korea Medical Association and National
Hygienic Inspection Committee.
But the current coordinating mechanisms are imperfect and MLEP functions to monitor
and supervise the chemicals management through NCCE. Still, it fails to carry out the regular
data collection from all relevant ministries and agencies. Professional coordinating
mechanism for the management of chemicals should be established.
Data Access and Use
The available data are production statistics, import statistics, export statistics, chemical
use statistics, industrial accident report, transport accident report, occupational health data,
poisoning statistics, pollutant release and transfer register, hazardous waste data, register of
pesticides, register of toxic chemicals, inventory of existing chemicals, register of import and
register of producer.
Technical Infrastructure
DPR Korea has laboratory infrastructure for regulatory chemical analysis established in
National Focal Point of Environmental Analysis in EDC, Chemical Research Institute,
Central Analysis Station in Academy of Sciences and Research Institute for Children’s
Nutrition. But it lacks the perfect infrastructure for the assessment, analysis, research and
development of chemicals. Insufficient technical equipments leads to the lack of technical
capacity. Poor equipment and improper use of high pure reagents make it difficult to find out
the correct values in analysis. In addition, another challenge is the lack of international
cooperation in the field of chemicals and PTS information. It is necessary to strengthen the
technical capacity for the comprehensive assessment, analysis and research of the chemicals
and wastes management.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Follow-up
The Ministry of Labor, Ministry of People’s Security and other responsible ministries and
agencies are undertaking regular investigations to counter accidents. Also an accident
response system has been established. Regular measurement and monitoring of emission
sources is conducted. In the case of an accident measures are taken on the spot not to be
spread and the cause and blame of accident is investigates. As for the people and environment
damaged by accidents, long-term investigation is performed to evaluate the effects to human
bodies and the natural environment.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
The overall capacity for safe management of chemicals is needed. The national strategy
on chemicals management and the national implementation of GHS should be established.
Modern equipment and gas proof means should be prepared in the sectors of fire services,
security and medical treatment.
Awareness/ Understanding of Workers and the Public
Public awareness raising is executed through mass media, social organization, education
and training centers, educational institutions as well as the national administrative system.
Public awareness raising on the chemicals management has been undertaken in the course of
implementation of “National Implementation Plan of Stockholm Convention in DPR Korea
on POPs”. The laws and regulations concerned with public awareness raising, such as “Law
on Public Hygiene of DPR Korea”, “Law on Environment Protection of DPR Korea” and
“Law on Socialist Labor of DPR Korea” also contributed to awareness activities.
In the course of Stockholm Convention, agreement has been reached through the
consultation between the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to include in the
curriculum of secondary and advanced education the educational contents for the safety
management of POPs and other chemicals.
Still there is lack of data management coordination between the awareness and education
sectors.
International Linkages
DPR Korea energetically participates in international activities of environment protection.
It has entered UN Convention on Biological Diversity, UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change, Vienna Convention on Protection of Ozone Layer, Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Depletes the Ozone Layer, Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, UN Convention on Combating Desertification,
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous
Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, Kyoto Protocol and Basel Convention on
Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. It also participates in the
activities and agreements with cooperation of international organizations and agencies.
Resources Available and Needed for Chemicals Management
The ministries and institutions have sections with experts addressing the production,
transport, import, export and use, but they lack of capacity to conduct the specialized
activities related to chemicals management. It is needed to strengthen the national
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management capacity giving importance to the training for chemicals management and to
assign the environmental and chemical experts to relevant sections in a rational way to build
their capacity in the future.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Chemicals management is a complex issue in DPR Korea that should be solved urgently.
There are many challenges in the legislative and administrative fields as well as in
technical and human resources for the integrated chemicals management of the country. It
includes the absence of comprehensive laws and regulations on chemicals management,
coordination under an integrated chemicals management system covering all of the relevant
agencies, the lack of technical infrastructure for chemicals management and the lack of
analytical equipment.
In order to build capacity for sound chemicals management in DPR Korea, the following
actions are required:
• comprehensive laws and regulations on production, transport, import, export and
use of chemicals should be formulated.
• mechanisms coordinating relevant agencies should be established.
• systems to collect, analyze and distribute the data on chemicals safety should be
improved.
• training system for chemicals management should be established to strengthen the
capacity of experts.
• a chemicals monitoring and analyzing system should be established with upgraded
equipment.
• public awareness should be enhanced to promote the participation of public in the
chemicals management while increasing the role of civil society.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 1 National Background Information
1.1 Physical and Demographic Context DPR Korea is located in the center of the east in the Asian Continent. On the hemisphere
map, it is located in the Northern Hemisphere, Eastern Hemisphere and Continental
Hemisphere. It is bound on the north by a broad Asian Continent, on the east by the East Sea
of Korea, and on the west by the West Sea of Korea. It borders with China and Russia to the
north by the Amnok and Tuman Rivers and faces to Japan across the East Sea of Korea.
DPR Korea, located in the northern zone of Temperate Asia, has a mild climate with 4
pronounced seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter. Thus, it is proper to human life.
Bordering with the Asian Continent and the Pacific, it has various natural conditions
which reflect both the continental and marine characters. Its climate is influenced by the
continental mass of Asia and by the surrounding seas, and it is typically humid in summer,
cold and dry in winter. The annual average temperature is 10°C and the average temperature
in January is not below -10°C in many areas, except the northern mountainous areas. The
average temperature in July and August, the hottest season, is 17~18°C in high mountain
areas and 20~25°C in the other areas. The annual precipitation is between 1,000~1,200㎜,
which is higher than the average precipitation of the entire continent. Great amount of
precipitation in summer, influenced by the season wind, provides good conditions to
cultivating crops including rice farming.
DPR Korea has a lot of mountains, valleys and coast. The main topographical
characteristic is that it has many mountains, which occupy 80% of total area. The average
height above sea level is 435m or half of the average height of global land and much lower
than that of Asia (950m).
Another topographical characteristic of DPR Korea is that it has many rivers and streams,
valleys and slope lands. It has many small and medium rivers and streams, in particular, as
well as long coastal lines and complicated horizontal land type.
The reason is that it is surrounded by 3 seas and has many peninsulas, bays and islands.
• Size of the Country: 123 138km²
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• Official Language: Korean
• Local Language: Korean
• Total Population: 23 897 000 (2006)
• Urban Population (%): 61%
• Rural Population (%): 39%
• Average Life Span: 69.2
• Birth Rate per 1 000: 14.7 (2006)
• Death Rate per 1 000: 8.7 (2006)
• Number of technicians and experts : 2 125 000 (2005)
DPR Korea is the powerful socialist state with the economy based on socialist ownership
of production means. The socialist ownership of production means, which is the basis of
national economy, consists of state ownership and cooperative ownership.
GDP was US$ 16 360 million in 2007. The major industrial sectors are electricity power
industry, coal industry, metal industry, railway transport, mining industry, building-materials
industry, chemical industry and light industry, mainly relying on domestic natural resources.
The industrial output was US$ 7 600 million and agricultural output was US$ 2 387 million.
Of GDP, the share contributed by industrial sectors such as iron and steel, chemicals, cement,
machine manufacturing, power generation, and construction, etc was 46.4% and by
agriculture was 14.6% in 2007.
In DPR Korea, the chemical industry has a history of around 60 years. The major
products are fertilizers, pesticides, synthetic resin, paints dyes, plasticizers, acids, alkaline and
synthetic pharmaceuticals, as well as DDT, BHC and PCBs, listed in the Stockholm
Convention. With the establishment of new chemical industry bases, chemical industry can
meet various needs for chemical fertilizer, fiber, and synthetic resin and can achieve further
all-round development.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Figure 1. Namhung Youth Chemical Complex
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1.2 Political/Geographic Structure of the Country Considering natural conditions, administrative districts, and old customs, DPR Korea is
divided into 5 areas; northern west, eastern north, middle, eastern north, eastern south, and
western south areas and consists of 9 provinces and 210 cities and counties. The capital city
of DPR Korea is Pyongyang.
DPR Korea is man-centered socialist state that embodies Juche idea, the guiding idea, in
all spheres of national activities. The national sovereignty rests with the workers, peasants and
intellectuals, and all other working people. All the state organs are organized and operated in
the principle of democratic centralism. DPR Korea conducts all activities under the leadership
of the Worker’s Party of Korea. Independence, peace and friendship are the main idea of
foreign policy and the principle of its external activities.
The Supreme People’s Assembly is the highest state organ of power. It exercises
legislative power. It is composed of representatives elected in the principle of universal, equal
and direct election by secret ballot. The period of the Assembly is 5 years.
The National Defense Commission is the highest military leading organ of state power
and the universal national defense administration. The Chairman of the National Defense
Commission commands and directs all the armed forces and guides national defense as a
whole. The National Defense Commission is responsible for its work in front of the Supreme
People’s Assembly.
The Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly is the highest organ of state power
when the Supreme People’s Assembly is not in session. The President of the Presidium of the
Supreme People’s Assembly represents the state and receives the credentials and letters of
recall of diplomatic representatives accredited by foreign states.
The Cabinet is the administrative and executive body of the highest state power and the
organ of overall state administration. The Premier of the Cabinet represents the government
of the DPR Korea. The Cabinet is the accountable for its work to the Supreme People’s
Assembly and to the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly when the Supreme
People’s Assembly is not in session.
The people’s assembly of the province (or municipality directly under central
authority), city (or district) and county is the local organ of state power, with the term of
office of 4 years. The local people’s committee is the local organ of state power when the
people’s assembly at the corresponding level is in session and the administrative and
22
National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
executive organ of state power at the corresponding level. The central administrative organ is
the Cabinet and local administrative organs are the local people’s committee. The local
administrative organ consists of province (or municipality directly under central authority),
city (or district) and county. The local people’s committee is the local link of the national
administrative system, which forms a unique system on a national scale and subordinate to the
people’s committees at higher levels and the Cabinet. The local people’s committee is
composed of chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, and committees. It carries out the laws,
decrees, decisions, and instruction of the people’s committees at a higher level, the Cabinet,
and the Ministries while organizing and executing all administrative works of localities
concerned.
Reference
• Preparing a National Profile to Assess the National Infrastructure for Management of
Chemicals: Guidance Document (UNITAR 1996)
• National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants (2008)
• SOE Report of DPR Korea (2003)
• Data of Population Institute (2006)
1.3 Industrial, Agricultural, and Other Key Economic Sectors
Table 1.A: Economic Profile
Year 1992 1994 1996 2000 2004 2007
GDP (million US$) 20 875 15 421 10 588 10 608 12 859 16 360
GDP per capita (US$) 990 722 482 464 546 683
23
Contribution to GDP in 2007(%)
Table 1.B: Amount of Major Products
Classification Unit 1990 1995 2000 2005 2007
Electricity 100 million (kwh) 564 279 307 362 395
Coal 10 000 (t) 6 000 (1991) 3 020 2 273 2 505 2 743
Steel 1 000 (t) 7 120 3 920 1 610 1 751 1 803
Cement 1 000 (t) 13 900 3 970 1 970 2 861 3 400
Chemical
fertilizer 1 000 (t) 2 265 1 272 170 282 338
Table 1.C: Amount of Production, Import and Manuring of Fertilizer (1 000t)
Classification Type of
fertilizer 1997 ~1998 1999~2000 2004~2005 2007~2008
Production Nitrogen 115 109 160 257
Phosphorus 22 5 8 7
Potassic 4 7 8 10
Import Nitrogen 304 417 736 181
Phosphorus 98 126 259 -
Potassic - 45 78 -
Manuring Nitrogen 442 528 896 438
6.2%
32.8%46.4%
14.6%
Industry Agriculture Construction Others
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Phosphorus 121 133 267 7
Potassic 12 54 86 10
Table 1.D: Agricultural Production by Regions
Region Major Crops Amount of crop
produced (t)
Total Number of
Employees
(1000)
Size of
Productive Areas
(10 000 of
hectares)
Plain land in
western
coast
paddy rice
corn
wheat, barley
potato, sweet potato
other
1 674 437
1 094 361
196 921
278 017
29 263
2 294 45.3809
32.3203
8.8779
10.6189
1.3307
Eastern
coast
paddy rice
corn
wheat, barley
potato, sweet potato
other
350 682
336 033
51 806
117 636
6 369
1 064 12.0634
13.1641
2.4049
5.0310
0.3883
Northern
mountainous
areas
paddy rice
corn
wheat, barley
potato
26 463
121 479
55 062
79 339
291 0.8947
4.0167
2.3890
2.6083
25
Chapter 2. Chemical Production, Import and Export
2.1 Chemical production, import and export
Figure 2. Production of fertilizer
Table 2.A: Production and import of pesticides
Pesticides Unit 2002 2003 2004
Production DDT
Hexachloran/Lindane PCP
t t t
236 1 286 838
253 1 235 811
238.1 1 275 846
Import
Phosphamid Deltametrin
Quinolinic acid Butachlor
t kℓ t t
80 61 22 55
50 50 18 55
5 93 24
100
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Figure 3. Chemical use in pharmaceutical sector
Table 2.B: Production of POPs pesticides
POPs 2000 (t) 2001 (t) 2002 (t) 2003 (t) 2004 (t) 2005 (t) 2006 (t)
DDT BHC PCB
120 969.7 448.7
230.1 1 170.5 328.2
236.4 1 174.7 430.2
253 1 127.8 415.6
238.1 1 164.3 443.5
221.6 1 023.2 497.4
213 1 142.0 354.8
Reference: National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants
Practical Agricultural Medicines
A Handbook of Pesticide Chemicals
27
Figure 4. Deltametrin imported for pesticide use
Figure 5. Use of deltametrin as insecticide
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
2.2 Unintentionally Generated Chemicals After signing the Stockholm Convention, DPR Korea has collected data and strengthened
technical capacity, deeply concerned for protecting human health and environment from the
impact of unintentional POPs such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and
polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF).
Table 2.C: Unintentional POPs emission under Stockholm Convention (2006)
Source of Emission Unit Total Air Water Soil Product Residue
Metal production g-TEQ 91.822 36.291 0.050 55.481
Thermal, power
generation
g-TEQ 170.195 14.194 156.001
Building material
production
g-TEQ 2.230 2.230
Transport g-TEQ 0.413 0.413
Open burning g-TEQ 1.238 0.922 0.316
Pulp, paper making,
other chemical
industry
g-TEQ 54.723 0.013
23.040 31.670
Waste disposal g-TEQ 30.040 2.340 12.800 14.900
Others g-TEQ 0.510 0.330 0.130 0.050
Total g-TEQ 351.171 54.393 2.390 0.316 35.970 258.102
2.3 Comments/Analysis Data on production, import and export of chemicals of the country are collected under
the control of SPC and CBS, but data collection and service on transportation and waste
disposal is conducted by relevant ministries.
The main sources of data on production, import and export of chemicals are the Ministry
of Land and Environment Protection (MLEP), Ministry of Chemical Industry, Ministry of
Foreign Trade.
29
The facilities to recycle and reuse chemicals have been established in the country but the
facilities for wastes disposal are not sufficient. For example, the facilities to produce fuel by
recycling waste rubber and waste plastics has been established but the disposal of wastes is
only conducted in the method of dumping and burning.
In the national institutional mechanism for chemicals management, the State Planning
Commission deals with the plans on import and production of chemicals, but the system has
not been established to plan and manage storage and transport. The system to submit data on
import, export, transport, storage and disposal of all chemicals in DPR Korea to MLEP has
not been established, except the import of wastes.
Also the statistic indices are not fixed on chemicals management and discharge of
pollutants in the sectors of economy whereupon the data accumulating system is not available
yet.
Only through the establishment of a system in which MLEP is regularly informed of
import, export, use, storage, distribution and disposal of chemicals in all sectors of national
economy will chemicals be able to be managed on the basis of clear records of the amount of
use and in stock.
The coordinating committee on chemicals management should be created to ensure
unified management of chemicals on the state level.
Environment management system should be set up to include all agencies and
enterprises to inform CBS and MLEP of management situations of chemicals consumed by
themselves at least once a month.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 3. Priority Concerns Related to Chemicals at All Stages in Their Life Cycle
3.1 Priority Concerns Related to Chemicals Table 3.A: Description of Problem Areas
Nature of Problem City/Region Brief Description of Problem Chemicals/Pollutants
Air pollution Urban center The main sources of air pollution are the release of gases from fossil fuel combustion in boilers, industrial kilns, vehicles and residential areas, as well as waste gas from industries. The growth in population and the industrial development also causes air pollution. Generally, standards are not exceeded except some areas.
TSP, PM10, CO, NO2 SO2, O3, dioxin and furan,
Chongjin area The combustion of lignite in power stations and industrial areas is the main source of air pollution in the surrounding areas.
SO2
Pollution of rivers Western area MLEP has surveyed the level of pollution of rivers by pesticides in the rural areas. The level of pollution by pesticides is low. The reason is that pesticides are not sufficiently used in the rural areas, due to the shortage of pesticides. In some areas, the pollution by DDT and Hexachloride was inspected and found to be lower than the standard. The route of pollution is irrigation wastewater.
Pesticides: - phosphorus - organic chlorine - heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn) - DDT, Heptachlorepoxide
Marine pollution Coast area Water quality of the coastal area is clean except the tourist areas, where water quality is affected by wastes from the tourists, and industrial areas, but on the coast of urban and industrial areas red tide has appeared. The main source was industrial wastewater, daily sewages and irrigation wastewater.
Heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mn, Zn),
Underground water pollution
Rural area Due to the impact of mine exploitation and depositing area of lean ore, underground water of some areas is polluted. Generally, the level of pollution of the underground water is reported to be lower than the standard by EDC.
Chloride, heavy metal (Hg, Cd, Pb, As)
Soil pollution Around industrial area (refineries, chemical factories, etc.)
Soil is polluted by emission from refineries. Pesticide was detected in a few areas because of insufficient use of them. Pollution by sediments of lean ore and urban wastes was detected but it was below the standard. The main pollution is pollution by heavy metals and damage to crops.
Heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Pb, Mn, etc.) Pesticide (deltametrin, Promertan, Nubacron)
Hazardous waste treatment/disposal
The amount of hazardous wastes emitted in 2000 was about 1 000 t and 80% of them were emitted from the industrial sector. 20% was occupied by public health, commerce, marine transport, etc. The government promulgated “the Law on
Hazardous wastes
31
Waste Treatment” in April, 26 2007 and is monitoring the emission, storage, transport and disposal of wastes.
Occupational health: public health
Local MPH has inspected the occurrence rate of disease by pesticides. It was reported that 395 patients were affected in 1995.
Pesticides
Occupation health: industry
Local MPH has indicated that 75 people were affected by toxic materials, such as Pb, Mn, Hg and As, produced in the industrial sector in 1995.
Pb, Mn, Hg, As, waste gas
Chemical accident: transport
Ryongchon area There was an accident by explosion of nitric ammonium fertilizer in 2006 in Ryongchon county, North Pyongan Province. There were casualties and several public buildings and dwellings were totally and severely damaged.
Fertilizer
Nampo 100t of industrial toxic wastes emitted from Nampo Refinery were piled up.
Arsenic compounds
Chemical remnants in foods
National Hygienic Prevention Station and other agencies conduct monitoring of foods. Pollution of seafood was not detected. A little Pb was measured due to the exhaust gas of vehicles among foods without packaging near roads. The remnants of pesticides in farm products were below the standards and the state is much better than other countries. The research on pollution-free vegetation is conducted by EDC, Institution of Vegetation Research and AAS.
- Pb - organic phosphorus
Table 3.B: Priority Concerns Related to Chemicals
Nature of Problem
Scale of Problem1
Level of Concern
2
Ability to Control
Problem2
Availability of
Statistical Data3
Specific Chemicals Creating Concerns
Priority Ranking
4
Air pollution: construction
Local High Medium Insufficient TSP, PM10 1
Air pollution: transport
Local High Medium Insufficient TSP, PM10, CO, NO2, SO2, O3
1
Air pollution: industrial
Local Medium Medium Insufficient TSP, SO2, NO2 2
Air pollution: boiler
Local High High Insufficient SO2, NO2 2
Pollution of drinking water
Local Low Medium Insufficient Heavy metal 3
Pollution of underground water
Local Medium Low Insufficient Chloride compounds, DDT Heavy metal (Hg, Cd, Pb, As)
3
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Pollution of irrigation water
Local Low Low Sufficient insecticide; organic chlorine, herbicide, germicide, heavy metal
3
Marine pollution Local High Medium Sufficient Heavy metal (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mn, Zn) Total organic chlorine insecticides (DDT, Heptachlorepoxide)
Soil pollution National Low High Insufficient Heavy metal (Cd, Zn, Pb, Mn)
3
Hazardous wastes or chemical wastes treatment /disposal
National High Low Insufficient Industrial hazardous wastes
2
Chemical poisoning
Local Low Medium Sufficient Insecticide, herbicide, rat poison
3
Waste chemicals storage /disposal
National High Low Insufficient oxidant, insecticide, soot, benzene, acrylonitile
3
Chemical remnants in foods
National High Low Insufficient Metal, organic phosphorus compounds, pesticides, other chemicals
2
Chemical pollution in products
National Low Low Insufficient Heavy metal 1
Occupational health: agriculture
Local Medium Medium Sufficient Pesticides 3
Occupational health: industry
Local Low Medium Insufficient Chloride gas, ammonium gas
3
Public health Local Low Medium Sufficient DDT 3 Radioactive chemicals
National High High Sufficient Radioactive materials
1
Chemical from households
Local Low Medium Insufficient Chemicals in waste products
3
Chemical poisoning
Local Low Medium Sufficient Insecticide, herbicide, rat poison
4
Chemical accident: industry
Local Low Medium Insufficient Chloride gas, ammonium gas
3
Chemical accident: transport
Local Low Medium Sufficient LPG(liquid petrol gas), vinyl chloride, TNT
2
Hazardous wastes treatment/disposal
National Low Medium Insufficient Hazardous wastes 2
Chemicals storage
National High Medium Insufficient All chemicals 2
33
POPs Local High Low Sufficient for some materials
POPs 3
1 Local, regional, or national 2 Low, medium, or high 3 Sufficient, insufficient, or no data available 4 1(=most severe problem), 2(=second most severe problem, etc.)
3.2 Comments/Analysis Data for setting priorities concerned with chemicals management is currently insufficient.
In a concrete way, the professional data collecting system has not been established for
chemical wastes.
Though the Central Monitoring and Supervision Station of MLEP is monitoring air and
water and EDC is conducting analysis on the pollution, it is only conducted in limited areas
due to the lack of information on priority areas.
The mainly concentrated areas with chemical problems are Hamhung chemical industrial
area, Namhung area and Anju area. Water is polluted by Hg and Cl from the paper-producing
factory in this area because of the deficient wastewater purification facilities. Air is also
polluted by nonferrous metals such as As, Pb and Zn because of insufficient dust collection
equipment in the refineries.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 4. Legal Instruments and Non-regulatory Mechanisms for Managing Chemicals
4.1 Overview of National Legal Instruments Which Address the Management of Chemicals
In Chapter 3, Article 57 of the Socialist Constitution, fundamental law of the state, has
detailed the contents to protect the environment prior to production and has consolidated the
sectoral legal foundations to provide people with cultural and hygienic environment and
working conditions and has paid primary efforts to protect and manage the environment of the
country.
Table 4.A: References to existing legal instruments which address the management of
chemicals
Legal Instrument
(Type, Reference,
Year)
Responsible Ministries or
Bodies
Chemical Use
Categories Covered
Objective of Legislation
Relevant Articles/
Provisions
Resource Allocated
Law on Environmental Protection (April 9. 1986)
MLEP
Preventing Pollution, Managing Chemicals
General Principle of Environment Protection
Chapter 3 Article 19 ~ Article 37
Law on Agricultural Chemicals (August 8. 2006)
MA Pesticide
Inspection, Registration, Production, Provision, Custody, Preventing Environmental Pollution in use
Chapter 5 Article 59~67
Law on Protection of Taedong River from contamination (February 10. 2005)
MLEP Wastes
Industrial Wastes, daily sewages, purification of hospital wastes, installation of disinfector
Article 6,10,14,19
Law on Municipal Management (January 29. 1992)
MCM, MLEP City Wastes
Disposal of Wastes , Collection of Useful Materials, Preventing Pollution of Drinking water
Chapter 3 Article 19,25,28
35
Law on Public Hygiene (July 15. 1998)
MLEP Wastes
Disposal of Toxic materials, Management of dump, Preventing of Soil Pollution
Article1~11, 15
Law on Agriculture (December 18. 1998.)
MA Toxic Chemicals
Disposal of Harmful Materials
Chapter 5 Article 64~66
Law on Management of the Capital City, Pyongyang (November 26. 1998)
MLEP Industrial Wastes
Building and Disposal of Comprehensive Sanitation facilities
Chapter 3 Article 16, 21, 23, 26
Law on Prevention Sea Pollution, Marine Pollution (October 22. 1997)
MLEP Outflow of Chemicals
Disposal of Outflow of Pesticide and Wastes
Article 4~25
Law on Environmental Impact Assessment (November 9. 2005)
MLEP Chemicals Impact Assessment
Prevention of Damage by Correct Assessment of Environmental Impact
Chapter 4 Article 27~29
Law on Land (April 29. 1977)
MLEP Toxic Materials
Purification of Toxic Materials
Chapter 4, Article 26, Chapter 6 Article 54
Law on Water Resources (June 18. 1997)
MLEP Wastes and Leftovers
Protection of Water Source by Strict Control
Chapter 3 Artlcle18, 35 ~ 37
Law on Rivers and Lakes (November 27. 2002)
MLEP Wastes and Leftovers
Protection of Water Resource by Strict Control
Chapter 3 Article 24
Law on Fishery (January 18. 1995)
MLEP Wastes and Leftovers
Protection of Water Resource by Strict Control
Chapter 39, 40
Law on Waste Treatment (April 26. 2007)
MLEP Wastes and Leftovers
Protection of Water Resource by Strict Control
Law on Foodstuff Hygiene (July 22. 1998)
NBQS Pollution of Foodstuffs
Prevention of Pollution
Article 5, 7, 9, 13 ~23
Law on Sanitation and Quarantine at Borders (January 4. 1996)
NBQS Chemicals
Prohibition and Control of Illegal Import /Export
Article 21, 23
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Law on Customs (October 14. 1983)
GAC Chemicals
Prohibition and Control of Illegal Import /Export
Article13, 17
Regulation for the Enforcement of the Law on Environment Protection (October 23. 1999)
MLEP Managing Chemicals
Detail Regulations
Regulation for the Enforcement of the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment (April 26. 2006)
MLEP Chemicals Impact Assessment
Detail Regulation
Regulation for the Enforcement of the Law on Agricultural Chemicals (August 6. 2007)
MA Pesticide
Procedures and Methods of Prohibition and Restriction
Regulation of Handling Toxic Materials (February. 2006)
MPS, MLEP Chemicals
Procedures and Methods of Prohibition and Restriction
Regulation for the Enforcement of the Law on Prevention of Sea Pollution (December 28. 1997)
MLEP Pesticide, Chemicals
Procedures and Methods of Prohibition and Restriction
Regulation for the Enforcement of the Law On Waste Treatment (September 19. 2007)
MLEP Wastes and Leftovers
Addressing Procedure and Method of Toxic Organic Wastes
4.2 Summary Description of key Legal Instruments on Chemicals The “Law on Environment Protection of DPR Korea” is a fundamental law, which
stipulates the key principles of environmental protection, preservation and management of
environment, prevention of environmental pollution and guidance and control of
environment protection in a comprehensive way.
The “Law on Environment Protection” has been adopted as the law of the Supreme
People’s Assembly in April 9, 1992 and revised and supplemented in 1999, 2000, and
37
2005 to meet the new actual needs.
• Main principle of environment protection
The government always pays deep care on national environmental protection and
management in order to provide people with cultural and hygienic environment
and working conditions.
Environment protection is an important task that should be permanently kept up
in the socialist construction. The government consolidates and develops what was
achieved in the environmental protection and management and takes measures to
further protect and manage environment in line with the development of relevant
economic sectors, while increasing financial investment systematically.
The government, in order to build the environment in conformity with the
people’s desire and demand, organizes environmental protection activities in a
planned and systematic way.
The factories and enterprises should conduct activities of production and
construction after taking measures of pollution prevention and continually
strengthen and update material and technical means of environmental protection.
The environmental protection and management is the sacred duty of all people.
The government strengthens scientific research activities regarding environmental
protection from pollution and builds up the capacity of scientific research
institutes, strengthening guidance of their activities.
The government strengthens cooperation with other countries and international
agencies in the field of environmental protection.
• Prevention of environmental pollution from chemicals
Factories, enterprises, buildings and facilities cannot be built nor herbicide and
insecticide sprayed around catchments, reservoirs and drainages.
Prohibited pesticides that may pollute air, water and soil or damage the human
body shall not be produced nor imported.
Agricultural guidance bodies, relevant agencies, enterprises and groups shall have
to store, use pesticides according to the rules, and prevent pesticide from being
sprayed into the air or flowing into the sea, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and land
filling.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
When spraying pesticide by airplane, permission should be granted from the agencies
of land and environmental protection.
4.3 Existing Legislation by Use Category Addressing Various Stages of
Chemicals from production/import through Disposal
Table 4.B: Overview of Legal Instruments to Manage Chemicals by Use Chemicals
Category of Chemicals Import Production Storage Transport
Distribution/
Marketing
Use/ Handling Disposal
Pesticides (agricultural, public health and consumer use)
X X X X X X X
Industrial Chemicals
X X X X X X X
Consumer Chemicals
X X X X X X X
Chemical Wastes
X
X X X X X X
4.4 Comments/Analysis
DPR Korea attaches importance to national environmental protection and takes detailed
measures by adopting laws for relevant sectors but does not have detailed laws and
regulations concerned with chemicals management.
The laws and regulations related with chemicals management should be enacted and
enforced.
39
Chapter 5. Ministries, Agencies, and Other Institutions Managing Chemicals and Waste
5.1 Responsibilities of Different Ministries, Agencies and other Institutions
Table 5.A: Responsibilities of ministries, agencies and other institutions concerned with
pesticide
Stage of life -cycle
Ministry Concerned
Importation Production Restore Transport Distribution/Marketing Use /Handling Disposal
Ministry of Land and Environment Protection
X X X X X X
Academy of Science X X X X X X
Ministry of Municipal Management
X X
Ministry of Public Health
X X X X
Academy of Medical Science
X X X
Ministry of Agriculture
X X X X X X X
Academy of Agricultural Science
X X X X X X X
Ministry of Foreign Trade
X X X X
Ministry of Chemical Industry
X X X X X X
Ministry of Railways
X
Ministry of Land and Marine Transport
X
Ministry of People’s Security
X
National Quality Supervision Bureau
X
Note: “X” indicates corresponding responsibility
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Table 5.B: Responsibilities of ministries, government, agencies and other institutions
concerned with industrial chemicals
Stage of life -cycle
Ministry Concerned
Importation Production
Restore Transport Distribution/Marketing Use /Handling Disposal
Ministry of Land and Environment Protection
X X X X X X
Academy of Science
X X X X X X
Ministry of Municipal Management
X X
Ministry of Public Health
X X
Academy of Medical Science
X X
Ministry of Agriculture
Academy of Agricultural Science
Ministry of Foreign Trade
X X X
Ministry of Chemical Industry
X X X X X X X
Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Land and Marine Transport
X
Ministry of People’s Security
X
State Bureau for Quality Supervision
X
Note: “X” indicates corresponding responsibility
Table 5.C: Responsibilities of the ministry, government agencies and other institutions
concerned with consumer chemicals
Stage of life -cycle
Ministry Concerned
Importation Production
Restore Transport Distribution/Marketing Use /Handling Disposal
Ministry of Land and Environment Protection
X X X X X X
Academy of Science
X X X X X X X
41
Ministry of Municipal Management
X X
Ministry of Public Health
X X X X X X
Academy of Medical Science
X X X X X X
Ministry of agriculture
X
Academy of agricultural Science
X
Ministry of foreign Trade
X X X X
Ministry of Chemical Industry
X X X X X X X
Ministry of Machine Industry
X X X X
Ministry of Electric Power Industry
X X X X
Ministry of Metal Industry& Ministry of Construction and Building Materials Industry
X X X X
Ministry of Railways & Ministry of Land and Marine Transport
X
Ministry of People’s Security
X
National Quality Supervision Bureau
X
Note: “X” indicates corresponding responsibility
5.2 Description of Ministerial Authorities and Mandates The National Coordination Committee for Environment (NCCE) coordinates all the
activities of relevant ministries and agencies in collecting information on the overall
chemicals management and taking measures in DPR Korea. NCCE is composed of Ministers,
Deputy Ministers, and reports directly to the Cabinet.
The State Planning Commission makes a plan of production, import, export and supply of
chemicals and takes relevant administrative measures.
The Ministry of Land and Environment protection is responsible for overall environment
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
protection and provides an organic linkage between scientific research and technical and
administrative activities. It also assesses, monitors and controls environment pollution by
chemicals and wastes including POPs.
The Ministry of Chemical Industry is responsible for production of chemicals in DPR
Korea. It also takes the responsibilities for the environmentally sound management of
chemicals, used in the factories and enterprises under the ministry, and for overall chemicals
management. In addition, it conducts research on producing alternatives.
The Ministry of Public Health and the Academy of Medical Science take measures for
control of DDT use and application of alternatives. They conduct hygienic monitoring and
control of POPs and areas, and study adverse effects on human health by POPs and the
method of its improvement.
The Ministry of Agriculture coordinates the use, export and import of pesticides,
including DDT and hexachlorbenzene.
The Ministry of Machine Industry produces and repairs PCBs containing equipment
(transformers, circuit breakers, heat exchanger, and hydraulic equipment).
The Ministry of Electric Power Industry produces and repairs PCBs containing
capacitors.
The Ministry of Metal Industry, the Ministry of Construction and Building Materials
Industry and other relevant government agencies take the technical renovation to reduce the
POPs release unintentionally caused in the production processes.
The Ministry of City Management controls the disposal of municipal wastes and takes
measures to reduce the possible unintentional POPs release below allowable level
The Ministry of Finance plans and provides the financial resources needed for chemical
management.
The Ministry of People’s Security monitors and controls the execution of laws and
regulations on environment and the overall chemicals management.
The Ministry of Land and Marine Transport and the Ministry of Railways ensure the
environmentally sound transportation of chemicals.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade takes practical measures to limit or prohibit the trade of
pollutants including POPs.
The Central Bureau for Statistics investigates and collects data on production, import,
43
export, use and waste of chemicals.
The National Quality Supervision Bureau registers, works out the standards of, assesses
and inspects the quality of chemicals.
The General Customs Bureau controls the import and export of toxic chemicals.
The Academy of Agricultural Science registers and approves the pesticides and monitors
their safe use and management in the agriculture.
5.3 Comments and Analysis Relevant ministries and agencies have responsibilities concerned with managing
chemicals, but lack the unified coordination and information exchange system for all these
responsibilities. This has posed significant challenges with data sharing and strict control of
responsibilities. Therefore, the coordination associated with managing chemicals should be
established in MLEP for all the ministries and agencies.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 6. Relevant Activities of Industry, Public Interest Group, and the Research Sector
6.1 Description of Organizations
There are several governmental organizations in DPR Korea which deal with
environment issues such as Environment and Development Center, Central Environment
Monitoring and Supervision Station and Kim Il Sung University.
Environment and Development Center (EDC) is the scientific research institute under the
Ministry of Land and Environment Protection, which is in direct responsibility for
environment science research in the country. It is the national resource center and scientific
research agency for environment protection which supports decision-making towards the
environment and sustainable development of the country with concrete research data for the
environment monitoring, analysis and prediction as well as environment technology
development.
Faculty of Global Environmental Science in Kim Il Sung University is the education and
scientific research unit major in environment protection, which has thousands of students and
hundreds of professors and doctoral institute for undergraduates.
Central Environment Monitoring and Supervision Station is the central agency under the
Ministry of Land and Environment Protection which has monitoring and supervision stations
in the provinces, cities and counties and collects data and conducts monitoring of
environment in the whole country.
The factories have their own laboratories in the factories and conducts technical
development, testing of production, environmental protection, data collection.
Natural Conservation Union and Korea Medical Association are the non-governmental
organizations which actively contribute to the increasing of public interests through various
media including exchange with national and international organizations.
6.2 Summary of Expertise available from Scientific and Educational Institutions
45
Table 6.A: Summary of Expertise available from Scientific and Educational Institutions
Field of Expertise
Research Institutions Universities Industry Professional Orgs
Data collection
EDC, Hygienic Research Institute, Research Institute of Municipal Management, Academy of Agricultural Science Academy of Medical Science Central Epizootic Station
Faculty of Global Environmental Science, Kim Il Sung University Faculty of Environmental Engineering of University of Construction and Building Materials,College of Municipal Management, Faculty of Hygiene of University of Medical Science
Ministry of Chemical Industry
Grand People’s Study House Department of Environment Protection of MLEP, Environmental Protection Stations of Provinces, Cities, and Counties
Testing of Chemicals
EDC, Analytic station of the State Academy of Science, Hygienic Research Institute, Central Epizootic Station
Faculty of Chemistry of Kim Il Sung University, Analytic Station of Kim Chaek Polytechnic University, Hamhung University of Chemical Industry
EDC EDC, Analytic station of the State Academy of Science, Hygienic Research Institute, Central Epizootic Station
Risk Assessment
EDC, Analytic station of the State Academy of Science, Hygienic Research Institute, Central Epizootic Station
Faculty of Chemistry of Kim Il Sung University, Analytic Station of Kim Chaek Polytechnic University, Hamhung University of Chemical Industry,Faculty of Hygiene of Medical University
EDC EDC, Analytic station of the State Academy of Science, Hygienic Research Institute, Monitoring and Supervising Stations of Provinces, Cities, and Counties,
Risk Reduction
EDC, Research Institute of the Environmental Engineering , Research Institute of Municipal Management
Kim Il Sung University, Hamhung University of Chemical Industry,College of Municipal Management
EDC, Central Monitoring and Supervising
EDC Hygienic Research Institute, Monitoring and Supervising Stations of Provinces, Cities, and Counties,
Policy Analysis
EDC Kim Il Sung University
MLEP
Training and Education
EDC, Research Institute of the
Faculty of Global Environmental Science of
EDC, Monitoring and Supervising
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Environmental Engineering , Research Institute of Municipal Management
Kim Il Sung University Faculty of Environmental Engineering of University of Construction and Building Materials,College of Municipal Management, Faculty of Hygiene of University of Medical Science
Stations of MLEP
Research on Alternatives
EDC, Research Institute of the Environmental Engineering , Research Institute of Municipal Management
Kim Il Sung University, Hamhung University of Chemical Industry,College of Municipal Management
Laboratories of Different Factories
EDC
Monitoring EDC, Research Institute of Hygiene
MLEP, Hygienic Research Institute, Central Monitoring and Supervising Stations
Information to Workers
EDC, Research Institute of Environmental Engineering, Research Institute of Municipal Management
Kim Il Sung University, Hamhung University of Chemical Industry,College of Municipal Management
Laboratories of Different Factories
EDC
Information to Public
EDC, Research Institute of Environmental Engineering, Research Institute of Municipal Management
Kim Il Sung University, Hamhung University of Chemical Industry,College of Municipal Management
Laboratories of Different Factories
Central Bureau of TV and Broadcast, MLEP
Monitoring on Health
Research Institute of Hygiene
University of Medical Science
Ministry of Public Health
Monitoring on the Environment
EDC, Central Research Institute of Hygiene
MLEP, Monitoring and Supervising Stations of Provinces, Cities, and Counties, Epizootic Stations of Provinces, Cities, and Counties,
47
6.3 Comments/Analysis Public awareness concerned with chemicals is conducted actively in DPR Korea by the
Natural Conservation Union and Korea Medical Association.
The government agencies responsible for chemicals management conduct data exchange
and cooperation through national workshops, and the associations, such as Air Association,
Soil Association and Water Association, meet once a week and make plans and discuss the
development of data reports and environmental protection.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 7. Coordinating Mechanisms
7.1 Coordinating Mechanism
Table 7.A: Overview of Coordinating Mechanisms
Name of Mechanism Responsibilities Members National Profile Preparation Committee
Coordinates data collection and management measures for the overall chemicals management
Senior officials of relevant ministries and agencies
Korea Medical Association Coordinates data collection, awareness raising and management measures for the management of chemicals used in the process of producing medicines
Officials from MPH and relevant agencies under MPH
National Hygienic Inspection Committee
Coordinates supervision, data collection and awareness raising for the food safety
Senior officials of relevant agencies
7.2 Comments/Analysis The current coordinating mechanisms for chemicals and waste management in DPR
Korea is imperfect and MLEP functions to monitor and supervise the chemicals management
through NCCE, though, it is not carrying out the regular data collection from all relevant
ministries and agencies. Professional coordinating mechanism for the management of
chemicals should be established.
49
Chapter 8. Data Access and Use
Figure 6. E-library of Kim Chaek Polytechnical University
8.1 Availability of Data for National Chemicals and Wastes Management
Table 8.A: Quality and Quantity of Available Information
Data Needed for / to:
Pesticides(agricultural, public health and
consumer use)
Industrial Chemicals
Consumer Chemicals
Chemical Wastes
Priority Setting X X
Assess Chemicals Impact under Local Conditions
X X
Risk assessment (environment/health)
X X X X
Classification/Labeling Registration X Licensing X X X X Permitting X X X X
Risk Reduction Decision X X Accident prepared/Response X X X
Poisoning Control X X X X Emissions Inventories
Inspections & Audits(environment/health)
X X X X
Information to X X X X
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Workers Information to Public X X X X
Note: “X” indicates sufficient information available
8.2 Location and Access of National Data, Types of Data
Table 8.B: National data location and types
Type of data Location(s) Who has access? How to gain access Format
Production statistics
1.MA 2.MCI 3.NQSB
1. Staff 2. Staff 3. Staff
1. Inquiry 2. Inquiry 3. Inquiry
1. Document2. Document3. Document
Import Statistics 1. GAC 2.MFT 3.MLEP
1. Staff 2. Staff 3. Staff
1. Inspection 2. Inquiry 3. Inquiry
1. Document2. Document 3. Document
Export Statistics 1.GAC 2.MFT 3.MLEP
1. Staff 2. Staff 3. Staff
1. Inspection 2. Inquiry 3. Inquiry
1. Document2. Document 3. Document
Chemical Use Statistics
1.NQSB 2.MCI 3.MA
1. Staff 2. Staff 3. Staff
1. Inquiry 2. Inquiry 3. Inquiry
1. Document2. Document 3. Document
Industrial Accident Report
1.MLEP 2..MPH 3.MCM 4.MA 5.MCI 6.MEPI 7.MMI
1. Staff 2. Staff 3. Staff 4. Staff 5. Staff 6. Staff 7. Staff
1. Inquiry 2. Inquiry 3. Inquiry 4. Inquiry 5. Inquiry 6. Inquiry 7. Inquiry
1. Document2. Document 3. Document4. Document5. Document6. Document7. Document
Transport Accident Report
1.MR 2.MLMT 3.MPS
1. Staff 2. Staff 3. Staff
1. Inquiry 2. Inquiry 3. Inquiry
1. Document2. Document 3. Document
Occupational Health Data(agricultural)
1.MPH 2.MA Staff, Researcher Write, edit Database
Occupational Health Data(industrial)
1.MCI 2.MMtI 3.MMI
Staff, Researcher Write, edit Database
Poisoning Statistics
1.EDC 2.HI 3.AAS
Researcher Write, edit Database
Pollutant Release and Transfer Register
1.MLEP 2.CMSS
1.Staff 2.Superviser
1.Inquiry 2.Inquiry
1. Document2. Document
Hazardous Waste Data
1.MLEP 2.CMSS 3.CBS
1.Staff 2.Superviser 3.Stuff
1. Inquiry 2. Inquiry 3. Inquiry
1. Document 2. Database 3. Database
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Register of Pesticides
1.MA 2.AAS 3.CBS 4.NBQS
1.Staff 2.Researcher 3.Staff 4.Staff
1. Self search 2. Self search 3. Self search 4. Self search
1.Document 2.Database 3.Database 4.Document
Register of Toxic Chemicals
1.MCI 2.MLEP 3.CBS 4.NBQS
1.Staff 2.Researcher 3.Staff 4.Staff
1. Self search 2. Self search 3. Self search 4. Self search
1.Document 2.Database 3.Database 4.Document
Inventory of Existing Chemicals
1.MCI 2.MPH 3.CBS 4.NBQS
1.Staff 2.Staff 3.Staff 4.Staff
1. Self search 2. Self search 3. Self search 4. Self search
1.Document 2.Database 3.Database 4.Document
Register of Import
1.GAC 2.MA 3.MCI 4.MPH
1.Staff 2.Staff 3.Staff 4.Staff
1. Inquiry 2. Inquiry 3. Inquiry 4. Inquiry
1.Document 2.Document 3.Database 4.Database
Register of Producer
1.MA 2.MPH 3.MCI
1.Staff 2.Staff 3.Staff
1. Inquiry 2. Inquiry 3. Inquiry
1.Document 2.Database 3.Document
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 9. Technical Infrastructure
Picture 7. Research on pesticides in the Academy of Agricultural Science
9.1 Overview of Laboratory Infrastructure
Table 9.A: Overview of Laboratory Infrastructure for Regulatory Chemical Analysis
Name/Description of Laboratory Location Equipment/Analytical
Capabilities Available Accreditation Certified GLP Purpose
National Focal Point of Environmental Analysis, EDC
Moranbong District, Pyongyang City
1* HPLC, GC, AAS, UV-VIS
Environmental Certification Station
Certification
Chemical Research Institute , AAS
Ryongsong District, Pyongyang City
HPLC, GC, AAS, UV-VIS
Organic toxic materials control
Central Analysis Station, AoS
Pyongsong City , South Pyongan Province
GC, IC AAS, UV-VIS
Toxic chemicals control
Research Institute for Children’s Nutrition, AMS
Dongdaewon District, Pyongyang City
HPLC, FID, AES AAS, UV-VIS
Toxic chemicals control
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Table 9.B: Overview of Lobarotory Infrastructure for Supervision and Analysis
Name/Description of Laboratory Location
Equipment/Analytical Capabilities Available
Accreditation
Analysed chemicals and main purpose
Amount of
standard agent
National Focal Point of Environmental Analysis, EDC
Pyongyang City
HPLC, GC, IR AAS, UV-VIS
Analysis, control, monitoring 2**
Chemical Research Institute, AAS
Pyongyang City HPLC, GC,AAS, UV-VIS
Analysis, control, monitoring 2**
Central Analysis Station, AoS
Pyongsong City , South Pyongan Province
GC, IC AAS, UV-VIS
Analysis, control
Research Institute for Children’s Nutrition, AMS
Pyongyang City HPLC, FIDAAS, UV-VIS
Analysis
Central Monitoring and Supervision Station
Pyongyang City AAS, ECD UV-VIS Analysis, control,
monitoring
Provincial, municipal, county Environmental Monitoring Station
Provincial, municipal, county seat
IC, AAS, IR
Analysis, control, monitoring
Hygienic and Epizootic Station, MPH
AAS, IR, UV-VIS Analysis, control
Analytical Research Institute, Kim Il Sung University
Pyongyang City
AAS, ECD,FID, IC, FTIR, NMRUV-VIS, AES
Analysis
Analytical Research Institute, Kim Chaek Industrial University
Pyongyang City AAS, UV-VIS, IC, GC
Analysis
1* AAS = Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
ECD = Electron Capture Detector
FID = Flame Ionization Detector
FTIR = Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrophotometer
GC = Gas Chromatograph
HPLC = High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph
IC = Ion Chromatograph
IR = Infra-Red Spectrophotometer
NMR = Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrophotometer
AES = Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
UV-VIS = UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
2** Aldrin solution 2ml
Dieldrin solution 2ml
Endrin solution 2ml
α-chlordan 2ml
4,4-DDT solution 2ml
Heptachlor solution 2ml
α-Hexachlorocyclohexan solution 2ml
Mirex solution 2ml
Toxaphen multi standard solution 2ml
PCB standard solution 2ml
Figure 8. Analysis on water pollution in Taedong river
9.2 Comments/Analysis
DPR Korea has not yet established perfect infrastructure for the assessment, analysis,
research and development of chemicals.
Even though EDC, AS, AMS and AAS have their own laboratories and research groups
studying the impacts of chemicals on the environment and human health and its responses,
insufficient technical equipments leads to the lack of technical capacity so that their activities
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in most cases have been directed to only hazardous organic chemicals.
The national focal point of environmental analysis in EDC, based on the field survey of
our country and international data for chemicals and POPs, conducts research activities to
assess and determine the current situation and to assess the remaining quantities of toxic
chemicals in rivers and streams, sea, land and crops.
However, poor equipment and improper use of high pure reagents as extracting solvents
make it difficult to find out the correct values in analysis. In addition, another challenge is the
lack of international cooperation in the field of chemicals and PTS information.
It is necessary to strengthen the technical capacity for the comprehensive assessment,
analysis and research of the chemicals and wastes management in DPR Korea.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 10. Chemical Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Follow-up
10.1 Chemical Emergency Planning In DPR Korea, the departments in the Ministry of Labor responsible for labor safety
conduct the safety works on the basis of a well-ordered system in all localities, and the
Ministry of People’s Security and other responsible ministries and agencies are also
undertaking regular investigations to counter accidents.
Measures are taken beforehand so that various accidents, explosions due to chemicals in
particular, which may cause damage to environment and lives as well, are avoided.
The workers engaging in the dangerous workshops are required to strictly observe the
disciplines of labor safety and awareness raising is conducting actively among them so that
they might be prepared for all chemical accidents. Households are bound not to engender gas
explosions and an emergency warning system has been established to inform of the accidents
in time. “Accident prevention months” have been established in the spring and autumn and
public awareness raising and accident prevention activities are undertaken in these periods.
Also an accident response system has been established.
It is ensured that people harmed due to chemicals are evacuated from the damaged areas
immediately and provided the needed medical treatment. Related to this, specialized
education is given to the security agencies, fire brigades, medical agencies and other relevant
sectors for dealing with emergencies and such trainings are actively undertaken on a
nation-wide scale.
The chemicals to be transported are fully packaged and the delivery, monitoring,
supervision and management are conducted according to the regulations.
Safety regulations are kept to not cause accidents as well as the process management is
performed in conformity with the standard regulations of operation.
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10.2 Chemical Incident Response
In case of gas leakage in the chemical plants and refineries causing emission of polluting
gases, the production processes shall be stopped immediately and the exhausters are operated
to the full to change the air.
Regular measurement and monitoring of emission sources is conducted whereby the
waste gas purification is executed to minimize the concentration of pollutants to discover the
gas leakage in the production processes and secure the life safety of the workers.
10.3 Chemical Incident Follow-up and Evaluation In the case of an accident due to chemicals, the prompt detailed measures are taken on
the spot not to be spread and the cause and blame of accident is investigated, thereinafter, the
legal accountability is taken against the concerned agencies and offenders, while the Ministry
of People’s Security is in charge of keeping records.
As for the people and environment damaged by accidents, long-term investigation is
performed to evaluate the effects to human bodies and the natural environment.
On the other hand, the rehabilitation of destroyed environment is undertaken.
10.4 Comments/Analysis In order to prevent the accident caused by chemicals, it is essential to enhance the overall
capacity for more safe management of chemicals, including chemical emergency
preparedness, response, and follow-up.
To this end, the national strategy on chemicals management should be prepared and the
national implementation of the globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of
chemicals (GHS) should be undertaken as well as a comprehensive registration system of
chemicals established, while creating the necessary overall management mechanism of
chemicals to effectively implement the strategy.
It is important to set up standard system for chemicals management, permission system
in the production and use of chemicals, and an assessment and supervision system of
pollutants.
Certain schemes are laid against accidents, however, the equipment for these works are
not perfect yet. Modern equipment and gas proof means, therefore, should be prepared for the
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
prompt counteraction in case of accidents caused by chemicals in the sectors of fire services,
security and medical treatment.
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Chapter 11. Awareness/Understanding of Workers and the Public
11.1 Awareness and Understanding of Chemical Safety Issues In DPR Korea, public awareness raising is executed through mass media, social
organizations, education and training centers, educational institutions as well as the national
administrative system. In particular, it is considerable that the public awareness raising
system has been well established and effective.
The environmental protection organizations, public health establishments and hygienic
and anti-epidemic institutions have played important roles in the preparation of the POPs
inventories and the awareness raising for the dissemination of knowledge on POPs. Scientific
research institutions have made a significant contribution to the basic data collection and
communication of POPs monitoring including the identification of polluted areas.
Public awareness raising on the management of chemicals in DPR Korea has been
undertaken in the course of implementation of the “National Implementation Plan of
Stockholm Convention in DPR Korea on POPs” after it joined the Stockholm Convention. In
this process, the propaganda works were performed in 3 stages with the use of various means
of public awareness raising on chemicals, POPs, in particular.
Three lectures were given for decision makers and booklets on POPs were published and
distributed to the stakeholders in this period.
TV interviews were held 3 times and 5 multimedia packages were produced including
“POPs and our life” and “Dioxin and Furan” to be telecasted 6 times and several times
respectively.
Five posters were created and published, and a mass lecture was performed on a
nationwide scale.
It is expressive that the workers in all situations handling chemicals together with the
public are regularly informed of the state policy on chemicals and certain problems for its
realization as well as various mass propaganda activities. In particular, the detailed action
rules and regulations that are prepared to protect human health and environment in the
treatment of chemicals on the continuous improvement in accordance with the development
of industry.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
It is ensured that the agricultural working people are acquainted with the safe use
methods of chemicals such as pesticides and that they take due personal protection measures
and strict observations.
With such activities, the decision makers and public have a strong desire for the
voluntary participation in the safe management of chemicals.
The laws and regulations concerned with public awareness raising on the safety issues
of chemicals are as follows:
In the “Law on Public Hygiene of DPR Korea”, it is defined that the education on
chemicals should be developed among people so that they participate in the chemicals
management as masters.
In the “Law on Socialist Labor of DPR Korea”, it is stipulated that the education
system on labor safety should be established thoroughly for the cognition of working people
on the policy of labor safety and technical knowledge of labor safety to integrate labor
protection into their work.
In the “Law on Foodstuff Hygiene of DPR Korea”, the workers producing and handling
foodstuffs are determined to be further educated for and participate in this work in conscious
manner.
In the “Law on Environment Protection of DPR Korea”, the educational and mass media
institutions assume the roleto execute the dissemination of scientific knowledge and mass
education to protect the environment with various forms and methods as well as the wide
introduction and propaganda to achieve environmental protection.
11.2 Education and Training for Sound Management of Chemicals and
Waste
In the course of Stockholm Convention, agreement has been reached through the
consultation between the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to include in the
curriculum of secondary and advanced education the educational contents for the safety
management of POPs and other chemicals as well as to prepare the schedule to create the
dissemination center of POPs information.
The Faculty of Chemistry of Kim Il Sung University has established a new subject of
“Environmental Chemistry” to teach the students on various factors affecting the environment
61
such as production, transportation and disposal of all polluting non-organic and organic toxic
compounds.
In all relevant research institutes and the professional education sectors, training is active
for the future competent scientists in charge of chemicals management and related scientific
and technological exchanges and external cooperation are planned.
11.3 Comments/Analysis
The reporting system is not properly established on the data of chemicals safety. What’s
more is the lacking of data management coordination on the safety of chemicals. Certain
educational and research institutions perform sporadic data communication without any
coordination.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 12. International Linkages
DPR Korea puts forward the protection of human health and the improvement of people’s
lives as one of its most important tasks, and hence energetically participates in international
activities of environmental protection.
The list below shows the international conventions that the DPR Korea has entered.
UN Convention on Biological Diversity 26 Oct 1994
UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change 5 Dec 1994
Vienna Convention on Protection of Ozone
Layer 5 May 1995
Montreal Protocol on Substances that
Depletes the Ozone Layer 6 May 1995
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants 19 Aug 2002
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety 29 July 2003
UN Convention on Combating
Desertification 28 Mar 2004
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed
Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous
Chemicals and Pesticides in International
Trade
6 Feb 2004
Kyoto Protocol 27 April 2005
Basel Convention on Transboundary
Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their 10 July 2008
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Disposal
Table 12.A : Membership in International Organizations, Programmes and Bodies
International organization/Body/Activity National Focal Point
Other Ministries/Agencies
Involved
Related National Activity
WHO MPH FAO MA, MLEP
UNDP NCCE MLEP, MCI, MMI, MMtI, MA, MEI
UNEP NCCE MLEP, MCI, MMI, MMtI, MA, MEI
WFP MA MLEP
UNICEF ME, MLEP Aquatic hygienic activity
Table 12.B : Participation in International Agreements/Procedures Related to Chemicals
Management
International Agreement Primary Responsible Agency Relevant National Implementation Activities
Montreal Protocol NCCE
Refrigerant Management Plan, National CFCs Phase-out Plan,
ODS Management Plan, National Carbon Tetrachloride Phase-out Plan
Rotterdam Convention NCCE
Stockholm Convention NCCE National Implementation Plan for Stockholm
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants Basel Convention NCCE Kyoto Protocol NCCE
GHS NCCE SAICM NCCE National Implementation Plan for SAICM
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 13. Resources Available and Needed for Chemicals Management
13.1 Resources Available in Government Ministries/Institutions
Table 13.A: Resources Available in Government Ministries/Institutions
Ministry Allocated Responsibility
Number of Professional
Staff Involved
Type of Expertise Available
Financial Resources Available
State Planning Committee Production import&export
planning for supply
N.A
Planning expert N.A
Ministry of Land and Environment
Protection Assessment, monitoring,
supervision, control
N.A
Environmental expert
N.A
Ministry of Chemical Industry Production,
utilization
N.A
Chemical expert N.A
Ministry of Agriculture Utilization
import&export
N.A
Agricultural expert
N.A
Ministry of Public Health utilization
N.A
Biochemical expert
N.A
Ministry of Machine Industry Production,
repairing
N.A
Mechanical expert
N.A
Ministry of Electric Power
Industry Production,
repairing
N.A
Electric expert N.A
Ministry of Metal Industry Technical
modernization
N.A
Metal expert N.A
Ministry of Construction and Building Materials Industry
Technical modernization
N.A
Construction expert
N.A
Ministry of City Management Transportation,
storage, utilization
N.A
Municipal management
expert
N.A
General Customs Bureau Control on import
and export
N.A
Chemical expert Medical expert
Mechanical expert
Biological expert Engineer
Researcher
N.A
Ministry of Land and Marine Transport, Ministry of Railways
Transport N.A
Transport official N.A
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Ministry of Foreign Trade Control on import and export
N.A
Chemical expert Environmental
expert Biological expert
Mechanical expert
Metal expert Agricultural
expert Pharmaceutical
expert Engineer
N.A
National Bureau for Quality Supervision
Registration, standard adoption,
assessment, supervision
N.A
Certification inspector
Chemical expert Environmental
expert Biological expert
Mechanical expert
Pharmaceutical expert
Metal expert
N.A
Ministry of People’s Security Monitoring, control N.A
Security man N.A
Environment and Development
Center Assessment,
analysis, monitoring, preparation of
political response
N.A
Environmental expert
Chemical expert Biological expert Analytical expert Certification Inspector Engineer
N.A
Central Environmental Monitoring and Supervision Station
Monitoring, supervision, control
N.A
Engineer N.A
Academy of Science Scientific research
N.A
Expert Researcher Engineer
N.A
Academy of Medical Science Scientific research
N.A
Expert Researcher Engineer
N.A
Academy of Agricultural Science Registration,
Approval, Management
N.A
Expert Researcher Engineer
N.A
Kim Il Sung University Scientific research
N.A
Researcher Analyzer
N.A
Kim Chaek Polytechnic University Scientific research
N.A
Researcher Analyzer
N.A
13.2 Resources Needed by Government Institutions to Fulfil Responsibilities related to Chemicals Management
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Table 13.B: Resources Needed by Government Institutions to Fulfil Responsibilities
Related to Chemicals Management
Ministry Concerned Responsibility to be Allocated
Number/ Type of Professional Staff
Needed
Training Requirements
Ministry of Land and Environment Protection
Monitoring and supervision on chemicals
Chemical expert 2 Risk assessment, emergent responses for incidents, monitoring capacity
Ministry of Chemical Industry
Chemicals production, storage, transport, use and treatment
Chemical expert 2 Use and monitoring capacity
Ministry of Agriculture Transport, storage, use and treatment
Agricultural expert 1 Use and monitoring capacity
Ministry of Public Health Transport, storage, use and treatment
Pharmaceutical expert 1 Use and monitoring capacity
Ministry of Machine Industry
Storage, use and treatment
Mechanical expert 1 Capacity to use chemicals and to handle the equipments
Ministry of Electric Power Industry
Electric power supply for chemicals management
Electrical expert 1 Electric power supply for chemicals management
Ministry of Metal Industry
transport, storage, use and treatment
Metal expert 1 Transport, storage, use and treatment capacity
Ministry of Construction and Building Materials Industry
transport, storage, use and treatment
Building expert 1 Architectural expert 1
Transport, storage, use and treatment capacity
Ministry of City Management
Transport, storage and use
Municipal management expert 1
Transport, storage and use capacity
General Customs Bureau Control on import and export
Chemical expert 2 Packing and identification capacity
Ministry of Land and Marine Transport, Ministry of Railways
Transport, storage and packing
Official with basic knowledge for chemistry
Transport, storage and identification capacity
Ministry of Foreign Trade Import and export limitation
Chemical expert 1
Transport, storage and identification capacity
National Bureau for Quality Supervision
Chemicals standard adoption, guarantee on quality
Quality inspector 1 Standard adopter 2
Chemicals identification capacity
Ministry of People’s Security
Illegal use control Security official Storage and use capacity
Environment and Development Center
Assessment of impact and risk of chemicals, classification method, certification, analysis, treatment, monitoring, research, preparation of standard, guidelines and political approaches
Environment expert 3 Environment inspector 2 analyzer 3
Environmental management for environmental certification, analysis, classification, identification, management and treatment
Central Environmental Monitoring and Supervision Station
Chemicals use monitoring and measurement
Monitor and supervisor 3Analyzer 3
Use, supervision and analytical capacity
Academy of Science Chemicals analysis, treatment, effective use
Chemical expert 2 Chemicals analysis, classification and treatment capacity
Academy of Medical Science
Evaluation on chemicals toxicity
Medical expert 2 Chemicals analysis, classification and treatment capacity
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Academy of Agricultural Science
Manufacture, utilization, storage, treatment of agricultural chemicals
Chemical expert 2 Agricultural expert 1
Chemicals analysis, classification and treatment capacity
Kim Il Sung University Chemicals analysis and classification method
Chemical expert 2 Analytical expert 1
Chemicals analytical, classification and treatment capacity
Kim Chaek Polytechnic University
Chemicals analysis and classification method
Chemical expert 2 Analytical expert 1
Chemicals analytical and treatment capacity
13.3 Comments/Diagnosis Institutions have sections with experts addressing the production, transport, import,
export and use, but lack of capacity to conduct the specialized activities related to chemicals
management.
The Faculty of Chemistry in Kim Il Sung University conducts educational works with
the new environmental chemistry subject but has a number of shortcomings in its content,
area and experience.
It is essential to strengthen the national management capacity giving importance to the
training for chemicals management and to assign the environmental and chemical experts to
relevant sections in a rational way to build their capacity in the future.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Chapter 14. Conclusions and Recommendations
Chemicals management is a complex issue in DPR Korea that should be solved urgently.
Based on the comprehensive assessment of POPs of the country through the
implementation of Stockholm Convention on POPs, the national strategy for POPs
management has been prepared, national priorities by categories have been assessed and 9
action plans have been prepared.
However, while preparing the National Profile, it was recognized that there are many
challenges in the legislative and administrative fields as well as in technical and human
resources for the integrated chemicals management of the country.
The challenges include the absence of comprehensive laws and regulations on chemicals
management as well as coordinating activities under an integrated chemicals management
system covering all of the relevant agencies. The lack of the technical infrastructure for
chemicals management as well as the lack of analytical equipments are also considered as
challenges.
All chemicals related issues including production, use, import, export and release can
only be tackled successfully by the energetic efforts of all relevant agencies providing
sufficient legal and administrative commitments and support, as well as the required human,
technical and financial resources.
In order to build capacity for sound chemicals management in DPR Korea, the following
actions are required:
• comprehensive laws and regulations on production, transport, import, export and
use of chemicals should be formulated.
• mechanisms coordinating relevant agencies should be established.
• systems to collect, analyze and distribute the data on chemicals safety should be
improved.
• training system for chemicals management should be established to strengthen the
capacity of experts.
• a chemicals monitoring and analyzing system should be established with upgraded
equipment.
69
• public awareness should be enhanced to promote the participation of public in the
chemicals management while increasing the role of civil society.
Though the chemicals management issues are great challenges to be dealt with on a
long-term basis, the government of DPR Korea is firmly determined to improve the state in
the very near future, thus contributing to the improvement of the environment at a national,
regional, and global level, and fulfilling its commitments to chemicals-related international
agreements including the Stockholm Convention.
The DPR Korea will make every effort to contribute to the overall economic
development and the improvement of the people’s livelihood as well as to the improvement of
global environment.
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Annex I. Available National Reports and Papers Addressing Various Aspects of Chemicals Management
1. Annual Statistics of CSB (2000 – 2005)
2. Report of Assessment Section, Department of Environment Protection , MLEP
(2002 – 2005)
3. Report of Management Section, Department of Environment Protection, MLEP 2004
4. Pyongyang City Environment Assessment and its Responses of EDC 2002
5. Namhung Youth Chemistry Complex Environment Assessment and its Responses of
EDC 2008
6. Analytical Data of National Focal Point for Environmental Analysis, EDC
7. Monitoring Data of the Central Environmental Monitoring and Supervision Station
(1996 – 2008)
8. Production Result Report of MCI (1996 – 2005)
9. Statistics for Raw Materials Supply of MCI (2002 – 2005)
10. Table for Chemicals Production Area of SPC
11. Import and Export Data of Ministry of Foreign Trade (1996 – 2005)
12. Data of Analytical Room, Chemical Institute, Academy of Agricultural Science
13. Table for Characteristic of Chemical Fertilizer and Agricultural Pesticides
14. Safe Management of the Chemicals, Response to the Chemical Enterprise and
Chemical Engineering 1999
15. Assessment and Control of the Chemicals harmful to the Surrounding Environment
1991
16. Hygiene and Poisoning of the Biochemicals 1985
17. Danger Management of the Chemicals, Chemical Industry 1998
18. Danger and Management of the Chemicals, Chemistry and Education 1999
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19. Assessment and Control on the Chemicals harmful to the Surrounding Environment
1991
20. Environment Pollution Danger of the Chemicals and its Responses 1993
21. Safety Assessment of the Chemicals in Foodstuffs 1999
22. National Implementation Plan for Stockholm Convention on POPs, DPRK 2008. 7
23. Collection of Themes and Essays in Commemoration of Population Research Institute
2006
24. International Program on Chemical Safety
25. International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals Bulletin
26. Safety in Chemical laboratories and in the use of Chemicals 1971
27. Preparing a National Profile to Assess the National Infrastructure for Management of
Chemicals (Guidance document/UNITAR)
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National Profile for Chemicals Management – DPR Korea
Annex II. List of Editors and Authors
1. Members of the National Profile Preparation Committee Mr. Kim Yong U, Vice-secretary, National Coordinating Committee for Environment
(NCCE)
Mr. Song Se Il, Officer, NCCE
Mr. Jang Chol Gun, Senior Officer, Department of External Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Land and Environment Protection (MLEP)
2. Key Members of National Profile Formulation Leader of Formulating Team: Mr. Jang Chol Gun, Senior Officer Department of
External Economic Cooperation, MLEP
Chief Editor: Mr. Jong Chang Gun, Deputy Director, Environment and Development Center, MLEP
Assistant Editor: Mr. Kim Chol, Researcher, Environment and Development Center, MLEP
3. Authors Mr. Choi Jong Ho, Section Chief, Department of Forest Management, MLEP
Mr. Kim Yong Ho, Senior Officer, Department of Forest Management, MLEP
Mr. Kim Yu Chol, Officer, Department of External Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Chemical Industry (MCI)
Mr. Ri Mun Yon, Senior Officer, Department of Fiber and Paper Industry Management, MCI
Mr. Kim Jong Ho, Director, Department of External Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Machine Industry (MMI)
Mr. Jo Yong Jin, Senior Officer, Department of External Economic Cooperation, MMI
Mr. Kim Hyon Taek, Head, Research Unit, Environment and Development Center (EDC), MLEP
Ms. Ri Jong Suk, Head, Research Unit, EDC, MLEP
Ms. Kim Hyon A, Researcher, EDC, MLEP
Ms. Ri Chol Ju, Researcher, EDC, MLEP
Ms. Jo Yun Mi, Researcher, EDC, MLEP
Mr. Ri Ju Hyok, Researcher, EDC, MLEP
Ms. Kim Sun Gil, Officer, Section of Statistic Data, Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS)
Mr. Kim Hung Gyun, Officer, Section of External Affairs, Academy of Agricultural Sciences (AAS)
Mr. Kim Jae Yun, Researcher, Institute of Botanical Protection Research, AAS
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A workshop was organized in June 2009 in Pyongyang by NCCE and UNITAR for the
preparation of National Profile in order to promote the implementation of SAICM in
DPR Korea.